OBITUARIES

Dr Neil FARRELL

FARRELL, Dr Neil - The last trip has been booked and the final run skied. Neil passed away on March 12 at age 67. He was thankful for the relatively good health he enjoyed after receiving his terminal cancer diagnosis in April 2009. This allowed him to embark on many farewell tours to visit family and friends, where kind words were spoken and genuine hugs given (even from guys). Despite his lack of belief in any deity, to be told by so many that he was in their prayers was a great inspiration to Neil. He was very sad to leave Diane, his loving wife of 35 years. He was the proud father of Kirk (Sarah) of Vernon, B.C. and Todd (Tannis) of Toronto, and equally proud of his grandchildren Kendra, Hunter, Greydon and Avery. He is survived by his brother Brian (Connie), sister Mary-Lynn (Martin) Steiger, and his in-laws Pete (Colleen) Tessier, Donald (Helene) Tessier and Gisele (Jim) Currier, as well as many nieces and nephews. Neil was born and raised in Toronto, graduated from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto in 1968, practised for 7 years in Ottawa and then received his Diploma in Dental Public Health from U of T in 1976. From 1976 to 2010 he was the Director of Dental Public Services at the Middlesex-London Health Unit and also provided consulting services to the Perth and Lambton Health Units. For over 30 years he gave lectures at the UWO School of Dentistry, as well as Fanshawe College. To acknowledge the wonderful times he had skiing with family and friends, he has asked that his ashes be spread at 3 specific ski areas. There will be a Memorial Celebration of Neil's life within 3 to 4 weeks (details to be announced). In lieu of any donations, Neil has asked that people contribute to their own vacation fund and “book another trip“ anywhere. Enjoy - and don't forget to floss! 9937540

Peg Prefontaine

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To Neil's family,

Posted by Susie Noble (co-worker) On Wednesday, April 6, 2011You have my condolences in the loss of Neil in your life.

I work at the health unit, however never had the privilege to work closely with Neil. Still, his strong, positive personality was known pretty much by everyone. Who he was, and who he chose to be kept Neil looking life right in the eye and not letting go of that focus. That’s another reason why death is such an enemy. Only it can’t take away all those beautiful memories imprinted and cherished in your hearts.

Dr. Farrell

Posted by Jennifer and Martin Petersen (Friends from the old "Hood") On Thursday, March 24, 2011Thanks Dr. Farrell...your smile is contagious and your zest for life is inspiring. I'll toast you on my trip to Disney this summer.

Neil Farrell

Posted by Wendy Brandreth (Friend) On Saturday, March 19, 2011Thinking of you Diane.

Dr.Neil Farrell

Posted by Tina and John Whitton (friend of son) On Friday, March 18, 2011Although we did not know Neil very well, what we did know of him was that he was a man who enjoyed life to the fullest. He was always taking trips "somewhere" and seemed that he always had a smile no matter how he may have felt. We are glad to have met him,and will be sure to take his advice and "contribute to our vacation fund". Thank you Neil, it was wonderful to have met you.

John and Tina Whitton

DR. NEIL FARRELL

Posted by JOHN and ELAINE LISOWSKI (FRIENDS) On Thursday, March 17, 2011Someone once said that some people are so afraid to die that they never begin to live. Neil lived life to the fullest. Recognizing that we sometimes get so caught up in our daily duties that we forget to take time to enjoy life, he taught us how to play and he urged us to book another trip before it was too late. In the end, he showed us how to face death with courage and dignity. He will always be remembered with fondness.

CONDOLENCES

Posted by Lee/Elizabeth Beam (Friends) On Thursday, March 17, 2011To the members of the Farrell family;

Neil was a wonderful husband,father and friend.

He was an outstanding ambassador for dentistry throughout his career as Director of Dental Public Services at the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

He enjoyed life to the fullest and had such a great sense of humour.

We will miss you my friend

Lee/Elizabeth Beam

Taking a trip- thinking of Neil

Posted by Beth and Jim Jean (friends) On Tuesday, March 15, 2011Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family Diane. Fortunately our sorrow is tempered by thoguhts of the great times that we had over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Hopefully we see you when we return from Florida.